Tested by: Evie Delaney, former digital associate

Our verdict

I normally favour down pillows, but I thought I’d try something that promised more support and was also anti-allergy. The Stratos pillow’s ‘down-like clusters’ seemed a good compromise. As a pillow flipper, I also liked the idea of the cooling technology, which claims to keep your head nice and cool through the night. Despite claiming softness, the pillow isn’t for someone looking for something that you’re going to sink into. It does feel structurally robust, whilst also being quite thin – perfect for an austere sleeper who wants to feel supported without volume. If you’re looking for more height, I’d recommend getting a couple to pile on top of each other. As a bonus, the pillow is made from recycled bottle fibres, so it has less impact on the environment (making it even easier to sleep at night).

The eco-friendly nature of this Simba product was the most appealing feature, and it feels good for neck support without being cumbersome.

Delivery

The pillow was delivered quickly and efficiently, and arrived in a handy, handled case should I want to transport it. The company promises 100% carbon-neutral deliveries, and the storage bag is totally recycled.

Tested by: Evie Delaney, former digital associate

Our verdict

It can be hard to know whether to believe people swearing their loyal commitment to a brand or product on the internet, but, side-sleepers, believe me when I say this is certainly worth committing to. It’s improved my sleep (no more waking up in the night to wrestle and manoeuvre my lacklustre pillow pile), supports my neck and has genuinely improved my neck pain. I actually think I can hear the pillow calling my name from the minute I get home from work.

The pillow’s innards are made of what Aeyla describe as ‘100% Cool Touch Microfibre’, and what I would describe as ‘clouds made in heaven.’ You can unzip the bamboo pouch and take out as much of the stuffing as you like, or shift it around to have more around the neck if you need extra support. I worried recently that it was losing a bit of its ‘oomph’ but I just fluffed up the luxuriously foamy filling and it’s popped back to perfection. It’s also ‘cooling’ which is nice in the summer, but feels really cosy and sumptuous in the colder months too. The company offers various pillow cases, but it also (just about) squeezes into a standard size pillow case.

Delivery

The delivery was simple and Aeyla offer free standard shipping on all orders over £30 – it arrived within 48 hours. They also offer a 30 day money back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.

What are the advantages of a memory foam pillow?

A memory foam pillow doesn’t sag or sink in the same way as a feather pillow, so it provides firmer support than a standard one. When choosing which to buy, we recommend opting for ones from well known brands or high quality retailers, as a lower price point often indicates lower quality components like low density foam. The ‘original’ memory foam was created from a material called ‘viscoelastic’ polyurethane, so look out for that in the product details.

Which is the best pillow for neck pain?

Most memory foam pillows, or firm pillows, claim to be beneficial for neck pain and back pain. However, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what is the right pillow for you. From an ergonomic perspective, your neck and shoulders need to be properly aligned with your spine to offer the best support and relieve pressure.

How often should you buy new pillows?

Sleep experts advise that your pillows should be changed once every two years. However, the average Brit keeps the same pillow for just over three years, so you’re probably not alone in being surprised by that statistic. With dust mites, dirt, allergens and bacteria all vying for space inside and on your pillow, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

How to clean your pillows

Do bear in mind that different materials require different cleaning procedures, some are machine washable, some are not. A memory foam pillow should not be put in a washing machine or dryer. These should be spot cleaned instead or gently hand washed. Most down or feather pillows can be machined washed on a gentle cycle and then placed in a dryer on a lower setting. Polyester pillows are the cheapest kind and, as such, won’t last nearly as long as the other types. To clean these, use a gentle cycle and cold water.